title: Eating patterns and mental health problems in early adolescence--a cross-sectional study of 12-13-year-old Norwegian schoolchildren.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the association between eating patterns and mental health problems in young Norwegian adolescents (12-13 years of age).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study. Dietary information was reported by parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were identified using principal component analysis. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to measure mental health problems. The association between eating patterns and mental health problems was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary schools, Telemark County, Norway.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children (n 1095) aged 12-13 years and their parents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children with high scores on a 'varied Norwegian' eating pattern were less likely to have indications of any psychiatric disorders (adjusted OR = 0·5; 95 % CI 0·3, 1·0) and hyperactivity-inattention disorders (adjusted OR = 0·4; 95 % CI 0·2, 0·8) than children with low scores on this pattern. Children with high scores on a 'junk/convenient' eating pattern were more likely to have indications of hyperactivity-inattention disorders (adjusted OR = 3·4; 95 % CI 1·3, 8·6) than children with low scores on this pattern. Children with high scores on a 'snacking' eating pattern were more likely to have indications of conduct/oppositional disorders (adjusted OR = 3·8; 95 % CI 1·2, 11·5) than those with low scores on this eating pattern.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We identified a significant association between eating patterns and mental health problems in young adolescents, independently of physical activity, sedentary activity and background variables. A diverse diet rich in unrefined plant foods, fish and regular meals was associated with better mental health, while energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets and irregular meals were associated with poorer mental health.
authors.affiliation: 1Faculty of Health and Social Sciences,Department of Health Studies,Telemark University College,PO Box 201,3914 Porsgrunn,Norway.
authors.forename: Inger M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Oellingrath
authors.affiliation: 2Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,Telemark Hospital,Skien,Norway.
authors.forename: Martin V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Svendsen
authors.affiliation: 3Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,Telemark Hospital,Skien,Norway.
authors.forename: Ingebjørg
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hestetun
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D057140:Fast Foods; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology*; D062407:Meals; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008603:Mental Health; D009043:Motor Activity; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010290:Parents; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012574:Schools; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People